These days, many people, to avoid upsetting or inconveniencing their families, say they want to be cremated immediately upon their death. This approach, which is intended to protect the family as much as possible from the often heartrending reality of death, is unfortunately merely avoiding a truth that every human being must face at some time or other in their life.
Many of those who work with the bereaved, such as social workers and psychologists, agree that viewing the deceased body of a loved one with one’s family (after embalming and restoration to erase the signs of illness and suffering) is a crucial step in the grieving process. It is a way to witness the reality of death and, at the same time, preserve an image of peace and serenity.
While the presence of friends and relatives can be a great source of comfort, this step can also be experienced privately in more intimate circumstances with the immediate family. Ultimately, you are expressing your wishes for those closest to you, to help them get through one of the most intense times of their lives, with as much serenity as possible.
Expressing your final wishes is good. Better yet, expressing them with respect for the needs of those you love is perhaps the most important gesture that you can make in preparation for a time when you will no longer be there to console them.